Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Today was an historic moment for people in Pakistan's Swat region, and a remarkable achievement by the provincial government of the northwest frontier province (NWFP). After negotiations between the provincial government, its stakeholders and representatives of Tehrik-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM), an agreement was finalized to implement Sharia (Islamic Jurisprudence) Law in Swat, provided TNSM and its followers are able to maintain peace.

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From their early days in provincial government, leaders of ANP acted with diplomatic and political acumen, first releasing Sufi Mohammad and then supporting the moderate elements of the region. Now, by meeting public demand, they are positioned to isolate 'Taliban' elements of Malakand, who have lost their popular leverage.

Hopefully, peace will return to Swat once again.

How could Swat not achieve peace now that they have a legal code that condones slavery, encourages floggings for drinking and gambling, promotes a husband's right to beat his wife for "highhandedness", supports cutting off limbs for stealing, recommends the crucifixion or mutilation of highway robbers, demands the execution of homosexuals, advocates the whipping and stoning of adulterers and those who engage in premarital sex, commands the death of those who would speak against Islam, and directs muslims to wage violent and unjust jihad? (*)